Hello, friends! Blu here! You might know me as the high-energy, floppy-eared Griffon Bleu de Gascogne rescue who lives for tennis balls, belly rubs, and sniffing literally everything in a five-mile radius. Because of my very French heritage, my ears are long, my nose is sharp, and my heart is incredibly big. But it got me thinking: if a French-ancestored dog like me can end up being a happy rescue pup living his best life, what are some of the other amazing dogs around the world up to? And how did their cultures shape who they are today?
As a dog, I can tell you we all speak the same language (which mostly consists of ‘Are you going to eat that?’ and ‘Let’s play!’). However, our histories are wildly different. Today, I’m putting on my invisible explorer hat to take you on a journey across oceans to meet two of the most culturally unique, historic, and downright fascinating dog breeds on the planet. Grab your favorite chew toy, and let’s go!
1. The Xoloitzcuintli: Mexico’s Sacred, Hairless Protector
First, we are heading to Mexico! Now, try saying this name three times fast: Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced ‘show-low-eats-queen-tlee’). Most humans just call them ‘Xolos’ for short, which is a relief for my tongue, too. These dogs are practically ancient royalty. They have been around for over 3,000 years, making them one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, according to Wikipedia’s history of the breed.
What makes them so special? For starters, many of them are completely hairless! They have smooth, warm skin that feels like a hot water bottle. The Aztecs and Mayans didn’t just think they were cute; they believed Xolos were sacred. According to Aztec mythology, the god Xolotl—the god of fire and lightning—created these dogs from a sliver of the Bone of Life. His mission for them? To guard the living and guide the souls of the dead through the dangers of Mictlan, the Aztec underworld. You can read more about this beautiful mythology in detail on the Xcaret Blog.
Because they were believed to have healing powers, people would snuggle with them to soothe aches and pains. Honestly, as a professional snuggler myself, I totally get it. According to the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America, their radiating body warmth acts like a natural heating pad! They are also incredibly calm, highly intelligent, and make wonderful, sensitive companions, as highlighted by the American Indian Magazine. Today, they are celebrated as a national treasure and symbol of Mexican cultural identity, a status beautifully detailed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
2. The Akita: Japan’s Majestic Symbol of Loyalty and Health
Next, we are flying across the Pacific to Japan to meet the majestic, fluffy, and incredibly dignified Akita. Now, looking at an Akita, you might notice they look a bit different from me. While I have floppy ears and a goofy grin, they have triangular, upright ears, a plush double coat, and a tail that curls over their back like a perfect little cinnamon roll.
Akitas originate from the mountainous northern region of Japan, where they were originally bred to hunt big game like wild boars and even ye-olde giant bears! But they are much more than just rugged hunters. In Japan, the Akita is a deeply revered spiritual symbol. According to the Akita Club, these dogs are viewed as symbols of good health, prosperity, and long life. In fact, when a baby is born, it is a traditional custom for family and friends to gift a small statue of an Akita to wish the child a healthy and happy life.
Of course, you can’t talk about the Akita’s place in Japanese culture without mentioning the legendary Hachiko. Hachiko was a golden-brown Akita who lived in the 1920s. Every single day, he waited at Shibuya Station for his owner to return from work. Tragically, his owner passed away at work one day and never returned. But Hachiko didn’t give up. For nearly ten years, he returned to the station daily, waiting faithfully until his own passing. As the AKC’s guide on Akita history describes, Hachiko became a national symbol of loyalty, and today, a bronze statue of him stands proudly at that very station.
Because they were once restricted only to the imperial family, their history is rich with honor and protection, which you can explore on the Akita Club’s breed history page. They are quiet, dignified, and deeply loyal to their humans—though they might be a bit aloof with strangers (unlike me, who assumes every stranger is just a best friend I haven’t licked yet!).
Celebrating Our Differences (and Our Common Love for Treats)
Isn’t it amazing how dogs have played such different, vital roles in human history? Whether guiding spirits through the ancient underworld in Mexico or standing as a beacon of loyalty and health in Japan, dogs have always been right beside humans, helping, healing, and loving.
Whether your dog is a purebred with a lineage dating back thousands of years, or a mysterious, wonderful rescue mutt like me whose heritage is a colorful puzzle, every single dog has a history. Our cultures might shape how we look and where we come from, but our favorite language will always be love (and maybe a little bit of peanut butter).
What about you? What unique heritage or fun quirks does your dog have? Let me know in the comments below! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear a tennis ball calling my name. Until next time, keep wagging!
